Frito Pie Recipe Pioneer Woman Style

Frito Pie is a dish that screams comfort food, and it’s a recipe that fits right in with the Pioneer Woman’s love for hearty, family-friendly meals. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will devour. Imagine layers of crunchy Fritos corn chips, a flavorful beefy chili-style filling, and melty cheese – it’s a Tex-Mex inspired dream come true!

Frito Pie is a simple dish with humble origins, but it’s packed with flavor and texture that makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that many remember from childhood, a staple at family gatherings and casual get-togethers. Just like Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, champions home-style cooking, this Frito Pie recipe is all about bringing people together with good, honest food.

What is Frito Pie? A Pioneer Staple Reimagined

For those unfamiliar, Frito Pie isn’t actually a pie in the traditional sense. It’s more of a casserole or walking taco, depending on how you serve it. At its heart, Frito Pie is a layered dish featuring Fritos corn chips as the base, topped with a chili-like meat mixture and cheese. While variations exist across different regions, often including beans or other toppings, the core components remain the same: Fritos, flavorful meat, and cheese.

This recipe takes inspiration from classic Frito Pie recipes, elevating it with simple yet impactful flavors, much like Pioneer Woman’s signature style. We’re focusing on a hearty, beef-based filling with a touch of Tex-Mex flair, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious.

Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Frito Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting Frito Pie:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef forms the base of our hearty filling.
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped, adds savory depth.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet of taco seasoning provides that classic Tex-Mex flavor. For a homemade touch, consider using a DIY taco seasoning blend for even more control over the spices.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: 1 can (10 ounces) of diced tomatoes with green chilies brings a touch of heat and acidity.
• Ranch Style Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of Ranch Style Beans. These beans are simmered in a chili-spiced sauce and add a unique savory element to the pie. If you can’t find Ranch Style Beans, pinto beans in a chili-style sauce are a good substitute.
• Corn Kernels: 1 cup of corn kernels adds sweetness and texture. You can use frozen or canned corn (drained).
• Fritos Corn Chips: 1 bag (10.25 oz) of Fritos. The star of the show! You’ll use most of the bag in the casserole and reserve some for topping.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, for that gooey, melty goodness. Feel free to use your favorite cheese – Monterey Jack or a blend would also be delicious.

taco meat with melted cheese in a bowl

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Frito Pie Pioneer Woman Style

Let’s get cooking! This Frito Pie comes together quickly and easily:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring it coats the beef evenly. There’s no need to add water as you sometimes do for tacos; we want a thicker, chili-like consistency.
4. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, Ranch Style beans, and corn kernels. Stir to combine all the ingredients and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble the Pie: Spread about ¾ of the bag of Fritos in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Create a nice even layer of chips.
6. Layer the Meat Filling: Pour the hot meat mixture evenly over the Frito chips, covering them completely.
7. Cheese it Up! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat mixture. Use as much or as little cheese as you like – for a truly cheesy Frito Pie, don’t be shy!
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Let the Frito Pie cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, add your favorite taco toppings to each serving.

A delicious bowl of Frito Pie, showcasing the layers of crunchy Fritos, flavorful beef filling, and melted cheese, a classic Pioneer Woman comfort food.

Serving Suggestions for Your Frito Pie Feast

Frito Pie is fantastic on its own, but adding toppings takes it to the next level! Just like a taco bar, let everyone customize their own serving with a variety of fresh and flavorful additions. Consider these topping ideas, inspired by classic taco fixings and Pioneer Woman’s hearty style:

• Sour Cream: A dollop of cool sour cream adds creaminess and tang.
• Shredded Lettuce: Crisp shredded lettuce provides a refreshing crunch.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives offer a salty, briny flavor.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or guacamole adds richness and healthy fats.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes bring a burst of freshness.
• Chopped Onion: For those who love extra onion flavor, offer some chopped white or red onion.
• Salsa or Hot Sauce: Spice things up with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
• Extra Fritos: Crush the remaining Fritos and sprinkle them over each serving for added crunch right before serving.

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Style Frito Pie

• Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preference. For a milder flavor, use less seasoning; for more heat, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Make Ahead Tip for Leftovers: If you anticipate leftovers, bake just the meat mixture in the casserole dish and store it separately from the Fritos. When ready to reheat, simply layer Fritos in a bowl or plate and top with the warmed meat mixture and cheese. This prevents the Fritos from getting soggy during storage and reheating.

Frito Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home-style comfort that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this Pioneer Woman-inspired dish and get ready for smiles around the dinner table!